Chapter 2 cont

“I get knocked down, but I get up again” Song by Chumbawamba

Ok picking up from where we left off. This is what we know. The cancer is back. Based on a follow up bone MRI after the PET my bones in my neck and leg are structurally intact and solid with no risk of fracture but there are three spots not just one in my left femur. And to think I have been running 25 miles a week and swimming a mile twice a week- never knowing- and I was planning on running a 14k Saturday and a half marathon in March! Ugh!  Cancer really is a SOB, and thinks its funny too…… trying to attack the exact areas I have been strengthening to make my body strong and healthy….. 

We know Surgery is not an option because there is no “tumor” or anything to cut out. We could possibly remove one but that will not accomplish anything. In the meantime we had to find a way to control my sodium long term because these cancer cells are secreting ADH and causing my low sodium. I am on a medication called Samsca which is holding me steady in the low 130s. The medication is hard on my liver and is already causing my liver enzymes to nearly double every day. We Can't permanently fix my sodium until we get rid of the cancer cells. Our chemo options are limited because of my polysorbate allergy  and radiation on five cancer spots would be too hard on my bone marrow while on two chemo drugs and immunotherapy. The punches just kept coming.

Luckily, During my hospitalization, Rafe was in touch with multiple doctors at Mayo. My local oncologist was also involved and spoke to Dr Dimou (mayo medical oncology) multiple times. Based on all the conversations it seemed like Mayo Clinic had some thoughts and available treatment options that are not available at home. Because these cancer cells are so sensitive to Dototate they believe maybe they will respond to an injection that binds to and attacks hormone secreting cells like ADH (anti diuretic hormone) . With this injection it allows for the opportunity to possibly use radiation.There has been so much back and forth about treatments but after I spoke with my Surgeon and Radiation Oncologist and local oncologist we all decided it would be best to get back to Mayo ASAP. My sodium finally Stabilized and we were able to get home Wednesday afternoon.

Its been a whirlwind. I think its Thursday? Jk. On Thursday mornings I'm usually out with my running partner and fellow cancer survivor MaryJo getting in our typical “Thursday 14k” lol. Instead we arrived in Rochester, MN home of the “Ear of corn water tower” (no joke look it up) Its all very familiar to Eric and I by this point. Can't believe we were here 52 weeks ago….. same week one year later. My appointment with radiation oncology is today and then We will set up appointments with Dr Dimou to look at all options they can think of. In the meantime, it goes without saying. Please ignore grammar errors and keep praying ☺️